New LA Restaurants: The 10 Best New Restaurants

Looking for the hottest new restaurants in LA? Even if you're watching your wallet a little more closely these days, you still have to eat--so you may as well do it in style. Get the lowdown on which Los Angeles restaurants are worth your time... and your dime. Whether you're on the hunt for experimental eats from LA's top chefs or schmoozing at Hollywood's latest A-list spot, you'll find something tasty at these new LA restaurants.

Close



New Restaurants in Los Angeles

of





WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
This expansive restaurant and lounge that weaves along the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton not only affords incredible views of the Downtown LA skyline, but it also offers artful renditions of Asian fusion and Chinese cuisine that'll arouse the most jaded palate. Seriously. Even the spring rolls (Maine lobster, prawns, ten-spice honey) are exciting.
Photo via WP24.

Test Kitchen
9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
The name says it all. Opened in August, Test Kitchen is a showcase for some of LA's hottest chefs and mixologists to experiment in that tastiest of labs and try out new ideas. So one night it might be pastry chef wunderkind Jordan Kahn doing a six-course Vietnamese beef feast or Rivera jefe John Sedlar whipping up (gasp!) a five-course "Hallucination." Being a guinea pig never tasted so good.
Photo via Facebook: Test Kitchen.

The Capital Grille
8614 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
Mall food? Hardly. This country clubby steakhouse at the Beverly Center might be known around the country for its in-house dry-aged steaks (not to mention its 400+ wine list), but we just can't get enough of that perfectly spicy calamari (who knew?) and creme brulee-like cheesecake. Oh, and don't forget the free valet and great outdoor seating.
Photo via Facebook: The Capital Grille.

Tiato Market Garden Cafe
2600 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Named after a Vietnamese herb, Tiato is a refreshing addition to Santa Monica. Even though the location is a bit odd (it's in the MTV/Lions Gate building), the huge, eco-friendly indoor/outdoor space has a cool bar, mini-farmers' market on Sundays, to-go cafeteria, full-service cafe and lovely outdoor patio surrounded by an herb garden (tiato included, of course). Almost everything on the menu is delicious, including the minty tiato macaroons, turkey taco salad, spicy eggplant tofu and eye-catching turmeric-poached salmon.
Photo via Facebook: House of An.

Red O
8155 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Not heading to some romantically swish resort in Mexico? No problemo. Red O, celebrated chef Rick Bayless' first restaurant outside of Chicago, has the tropical retreat vibe on lock ... if you can get past the doorman at the entrance. (Seriously. You'd think this was an SBE club or something.) Our advice? Make a rez well in advance or show up early, grab a seat (or swing) at the bar, order the Flowerpot or La Sirena and any of the deliciously smoky taquitos and get ready to watch the show.
Photo by Mar Yvette.

Momed Market Cafe
233 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
As its name suggests, Momed is all about modern Mediterranean cuisine. The cafe keeps things casual with its picnic-chic aesthetic and glass display case showing off bowls of Moroccan carrot salad and tahini green beans. But the real standouts are the made-to-order dishes. Try the pide (traditional Turkish flatbread) with wild mushrooms, spigarello and Akawi cheese. The bread is incredibly doughy yet crisp, the cheese is rich and flavorful and that hint of cinnamon is unexpectedly good.
Photo courtesy of Momed.

Waterloo & City
12517 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Finally, a real British gastropub! We know the "g" word has been thrown around these days almost as much as the "l" word (as in "lounge"), but this hangout is the genuine article. The space is big, convenient (it actually has its own free parking lot) and serves up traditional English fare. Don't miss the terrines (love the house-smoked salmon with fried egg and gribiche), corn soup with Parmesan ravioli and the late-night menu's curried chicken meatball pizza. And don't forget the pubtails--Dark & Stormy, Pimm's Cup and Piccadilly Martini. Cheers!
Photo courtesy of Waterloo & City.

Chi Dynasty
12229 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Located in a small strip mall next to the ostentatious Romanov restaurant, this newcomer to Studio City is a low-key spot for affordable Chinese food. The original Los Feliz location has long been a favorite (27 years and counting) and now Valley-ites have a chance to taste why: The "Best in Town" chicken salad, steamed veggie dumplings, hot fish with broccoli and about a million other Chinese standards that stay well under the $20 mark.
Photo via Chi Dynasty.

Cleo
1717 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028
Surprise! Yet another Mediterranean restaurant has opened in LA. But lest you forget that Cleo comes courtesy of SBE--it's located in the group's lush Redbury hotel--this is one dining spot that promises a real scene alongside the sustenance. The space is shiny and swank, and the small plates will make you want to order one after the other after the other. (Just remember: The plates might be small, but the prices are not.) The Brussels sprouts--shredded, salty, chewy yet crispy pieces sauteed in oil and tossed with almonds, capers and red wine vinaigrette--will change your life.
Photo by Mar Yvette.

Layla Mediterranean Cafe
11906 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Layla ... got me on my knees, Layla. It might have nothing to do with Eric Clapton's played out song, but this blink-and-you-might-miss-it cafe on Wilshire's busy boulevard is a real find. The beef and chicken kabobs are among the juiciest you can imagine, the homemade hummus is addictive and even the salted-roasted veggies are incredible. Topping off the entire experience are the owners who will make you feel like you're home.